“Disgusted” – Kevin Brown reacts to shocking Super League red card

During Round One of the Betfred Super League, the Castleford Tigers played against the Super League Champions Wigan Warriors in a match that was played in terrible rainy conditions.

In a shocking moment during the game, Castleford Tigers‘ star player, Liam Watts, was sent off. Some spectators questioned the referee and video referee’s decisions due to the new rules introduced in 2024.

Initially, Kaide Ellis made contact with an opponent’s head, but he was not given a card because the opponent’s back was bent. This decision was met with some criticism. Harry Smith was also sin binned for accidentally tipping Luke Hooley onto his head during a tackle.

However, the most significant moment came when Liam Watts was sent off for making direct contact with Tyler Dupree’s head. Watts and Joe Westerman were trying to make a tackle, but Dupree was ducking down, and Watts’ shoulder made contact with his head.

This was a turning point in the game for Wigan who went from 4-2 down to win 32-4.

After the game, speaking on BBC Two, Kevin Brown said: “Craig Lingard will be disgusted by the red card. He will feel really hard done by.”

New Super League trend

In the opening game between Hull FC and Hull KR, Herman Ese’ese was the first player to receive a sin bin penalty for a high shot, in accordance with the new rules.

Following this, Franklin Pele was sent off for a swinging arm, and Ligi Sao was also sent off, while Matt Parcell was sin binned.

In the match at Headingley, Ryan Brierley received a sin bin penalty for a high tackle on his friend Brodie Croft. Similarly, in the game between Leigh Leopards and Huddersfield Giants, Ricky Leutele was sin binned for a late hit, and John Asiata was also shown a yellow card.

After the dismissal of Momirovski, Amir Bourouh of Salford became the ninth player to be carded.
Two additional cards were shown at the game at the Jungle.